Pocket design for garments to allow mobile device users hands free recording of video, audio and other data

ABSTRACT

This invention is a pocket that is incorporated into a garment to hold a mobile device safely and securely on the wearer with its sensors exposed such that the mobile device functionality relative to data collection or utilization (audio, video, photographic and other data) is possible in a hands free nature. This will allow a user, without the need for special cases or harnesses, to do hands free POV (Point of View) video recording, photographs, audio recording, and other application driven data collection such as GPS trip mapping, environmental data collection, and two way voice activated communication. The intention is to have the pocket to be a part of many types of clothing consumers wear, so the mobile device is easily put to use for the described functions, is readily available when needed and is a convenient and inexpensive alternative to special harnesses, holders or carriers. The invention also carries out the functions of a standard mobile device holster or harness such that the user can access the device for playing music or other functions in a hands free manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE,OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of POV (Point Of View) video recording has been growing rapidlywith the rise of social media and with the introduction of wearabletechnology capable of taking high quality video recordings. Thosedevices are priced in a range that many people wishing to participateare unable to afford yet a far greater number of people are alreadycarrying a high definition recording device in the form of their mobiledevice such as a smartphone. As technology has enhanced the capabilityof mobile devices to gather high quality photographs, video and audiotheir ability to bridge the gap between purpose built recording devicesand the smartphone functionality and adaptability makes them an idealcandidate for utilization. Because of their wide spread use these mobiledevices offer their users enhanced opportunities to record audio andvideo provided that the user has a way to access the device as neededand in a way that allows them to carry on the activity they are tryingto record. This, in many cases, means utilizing some form of hands freemethod to hold the phone in a way that it can be used to record. Purposebuild harness systems are manufactured for accomplishing this but theyare something that a user has to wear as an accessory which does notlend itself to spontaneous use. This invention offers a method to carryand use the mobile device in an everyday normal manner without needingspecial harnesses, accessories or attachments and the invention allowsthe user to access the device to use to record in hands free mode from asecure holder built right into their clothing in an unobtrusive andconvenient manner. It also serves as the method in which the user cannormally carry their mobile device without the need for a holster orother carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an article ofclothing, such as a jacket, coveralls, shirt, coat, pants or the likewhich includes a pocket built into the garment to hold a mobile devicein a manner that allows use of its functionality to record video, audioand other data while the garment is worn. To hold a mobile device safelyand securely on the wearer such that the mobile device functionalityrelative to data collection or utilization (audio, video and other data)is possible in a hands free nature. In use the invention will allow auser to do hands free POV (Point of View) video recording, audiorecording, photographic and depending on other accessories, datacollection such as application driven GPS trip mapping, environmentaldata collection, and two way voice activated communication. Theinvention also carries out the functions of a standard mobile deviceholster or harness such that the user can access the device for playingmusic or other functions in a hands free manner.

The pocket, in combination with any garment that incorporates it inorder to provide the functions as described herein is the invention.This invention differentiates itself from all other pocket designs inthat it is specifically made to provide the functions detailed herein.

The invention is designed to allow the essential recording sensors of amobile device access to the outside of the apparel so that a user cantake advantage of mobile device functions while the mobile device isbeing carried in the invention.

The term sensors includes those input devices that are either part ofthe mobile device or attached to it that collect photographic, video,audio, or other data.

As envisioned, the functionality of this invention includes, but is notlimited to, audio and video recording and/or playback as well as otherfunctions that could be, but not limited to, app driven functions on thedevice.

For the purposes of clarity the pocket and the garment it is in may bediscussed as separate items but should be understood to be thecombination of the two into an item of clothing that becomes anembodiment of the invention.

The terms garment, apparel, clothing, clothes can mean any item ofclothing other than special harnesses or accessory type carriersspecially designed to carry mobile devices and use them in a hands freemanner.

The term pocket used in reference to this invention can be in the formof a shaped bag like portion of the garment or any combination ofstraps, elastic, or similar support structure that carries out the formand function of the invention so long as it is integral to the garmentand carries out the function as described in the invention. Any mentionof the term pocket in this document should be understood to be aninclusive but not limiting term to help define the invention in its manypossible embodiments.

The design of the pocket may vary depending on the nature of the garmentand the desired outcome for functionality with guiding elements indesign being to ensure functionality, security and accessibility.

The profile edge of the outside portion of the pocket or garment throughwhich the device projects out to expose its sensors may be varied toprovide best performance for as wide a range of mobile devices aspossible or it may be purpose designed for a particular mobile device.It can also be designed to accommodate add on devices to the sensorslike camera lenses.

The interior of the pocket may be varied in order to provide the bestpositioning of the mobile device. In its simplest embodiment this can bea simple friction fit in an elastic strap inside the pocket but variousother methods using straps, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasterners orthe like could be used alone or in combination with other methods toprovide security and positioning.

The pocket component of the invention might be located on the inside ofthe garment or sewn on the outside of the main body of the apparel as anexternal pocket.

With a pocket sewn on the inside of the apparel the design of theinvention is such that the outside layer of the garment has an openingto permit the mobile device to have its sensors exposed to allow use.The access opening may be a simple slit type opening in the garment thatallows the mobile device while in the pocket to project up through theslit to the outside of the garment or it may have an elastic, gusset,stretch fabric or some similar enhancement in the garment to alloweasier access and adaptability.

As an external pocket sewn to and being part of the garment the pocketincorporates both the pocket and an opening in the body of the pocketitself allowing the mobile device sensors access to the outside of thepocket.

The opening for the mobile device sensors may or may not incorporate aflap or other closure or cover to protect the exposed portion of themobile device when the sensors are not in use.

The invention may have a number of adaptations allowing greaterflexibility of use and those will be apparent from disclosures madeherein and to anyone familiar with the art.

As an example:

Access to the pocket component of the invention can be made in severalways and is linked to the design of the garment component. In use thiswould mean that when placing the mobile device in the invention it couldbe inserted from the outside of the garment directly into the inventionor the user could open the garment to gain access to the pocket from theinside or they could access the invention from the outside through aspecialized opening to gain access to the mobile device (e.g. a zipperedaccess on the side of an external pocket or in the main garment allowingaccess to the pocket without the need to open or otherwise disturb thegarment). Using any one of these access options does not preclude theuse of any other. For instance, a user may own the invention in the formof an inside access configuration but can at their discretion inserttheir mobile device directly into the invention simply by sliding themobile device straight into the invention from the outside through theopening that the mobile device is exposed through for sensor use.

It is another object of the invention to provide, in some embodiments,an article of clothing, such as jackets, diving and surfing exposuresuits, or the like, that includes the pocket in a water-resistant orwater proof form to protect the mobile device from damage due to wateror sweat while allowing functionality of the device as previouslydescribed.

In an embodiment of the invention used for garments associated withwater sports the invention can be adapted to accommodate mobile devicesthat are protected in water proof cases.

The invention provides a method of protecting and utilizing a mobiledevice to gather data in a hands free mode during everyday activitiesincluding sports and work activity. The method comprises: placing themobile device into a pocket of an article of clothing that incorporatesthis invention and wearing said article of clothing.

Such method of protecting and utilizing the mobile device may furtherinclude securing such mobile device in said pocket by any securing orclosure means provided, such as a zipper, flap, button, magnetic flap,or hook and loop.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Likewise, elementsand features depicted in one drawing may be combined with elements andfeatures depicted in additional drawings. Moreover, in the drawings,like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an article of clothing (e.g.a jacket) of the present invention showing one of the embodiments of theinvention wherein a pocket is positioned on the chest of the wearer.

FIG. 2 is an inside view of an embodiment of an article of clothing(e.g. a jacket) of the present invention showing the invention utilizingthe pocket component as an inside pocket in the garment.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention in a garment that does nothave easy access to the inside (e.g. a pullover sweater or hoody) withan access opening in the garment specifically for use of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in a garment that does nothave easy access to the inside (e.g. a pullover sweater or hoody) wherethe user inserts their mobile device into the invention directly throughthe opening in the garment where the mobile phone is exposed for use.

FIG. 5 shows an outside view of the pocket and an embodiment that has anexample of a pocket edge cut to accommodate a wide range of sensorlocations for mobile devices in the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view from inside a garment with an embodiment having aninside pocket access.

FIG. 7 shows an inside view of a pocket that uses one embodiment of adevice retention and positioning strap made from elastic material insidethe pocket.

FIG. 8 is a detail of the present invention showing an external closureor securing means, for example, a zipper or a flap to secure and protectthe mobile device when not in use.

FIG. 9 shows the closure detailed in FIG. 4 in an open position exposingthe mobile device for use.

FIG. 10 is a view from outside the pocket of an alternative embodimentwherein the invention has an added feature allowing adjustment of themobile device while in the pocket to allow for different sizes of mobiledevices.

FIG. 11 is a view of the inside of the pocket of an alternativeembodiment wherein the invention has an added feature allowingadjustment of the mobile device while in the pocket to allow fordifferent sizes of mobile devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claimsappended hereto. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art,modifications to described elements below may be made without deviatingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, includingthe claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes aplurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary(e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

In the drawings, like reference numerals or letters designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

The following is a list of the letters used to designate partsthroughout several views:

A—A mobile device

B—The part of the pocket that is inside the garment

C—The main body of the garment the pocket is attached to

D—The exterior face of the pocket as that portion of the pocket facingout from the garment.

E—The edge of the pocket on the outside of the garment. In variousembodiments having a designed edge to allow sensors access to theoutside of the garment from the pocket.

F—An opening designed in a garment to allow access to the pocket fromthe inside without opening the garment.

G—The opening through which the mobile device sensors project from thepocket to allow functionality

H—A hook and loop type fastener is illustrated but as per thedescription of the invention other fasteners can be used.

I—Elastic retention strap.

J—An embodiment of a cover flap for the pocket opening

K—An adjustable strap to retain and position a mobile device in thepocket

L—A slit opening in the back panel of the pocket as an illustration ofpotential embodiments using an adjustment strap.

Referring to FIG. 1 an example of an article of clothing incorporatingthe present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the article ofclothing is a jacket. The pocket is shown as being integrated into thejacket and in this embodiment is located on the chest of the garmentsuch that the camera of the mobile device (A) is exposed and positionedfor use in a hands free mode. The design of the pocket and apparel issuch that the edge of the pocket (E) is cut so that portion exposed ofthe camera will suit most mobile device locations for cameras that arelocated either top left, top right or center of the camera. Other pocketedge designs can be used to provide optimal functioning with the mobiledevice sensors across various makes and models of device.

In FIG. 2 a garment that incorporates the invention is shown in anembodiment where the invention can be accessed from inside the garment(e.g. a jacket with a zipper front). The mobile device (A) is insertedinto the inner portion of the pocket (B) and then the device ispositioned through the opening to the outside of the garment (G) suchthat the sensors on the device are outside the garment and in a positionto be used for the functions described herein. The lower portion of thedevice in this embodiment riding down in the main section of the pocketand the upper portion with the sensors on it riding up and out of thepocket cavity on the outside of the garment and held securely in aposition to be used for the functions described herein.

Referring to FIG.3 in this embodiment the garment has a purpose designedand incorporated opening (F) meant to allow access to the invention. Inthis illustration a small zippered opening to the interior of thegarment is shown whereby access to the inside pocket embodiment of theinvention can be carried out. The opening can be in the form of an openaccess or secured by zipper, buttons, hooks, snaps , hook and loop orother like fastener. The device (A) can be inserted into the inneropening of the pocket though this access opening or optionally can bedirectly inserted into the pocket from the outside though the opening inthe garment into the pocket meant for the device to project out of thegarment from. While illustrated as an opening into the inside of thegarment the same approach can be used to secure access to the inventionif it is in the outside pocket configuration with the opening gainingaccess through the side of the outside pocket rather than to theinterior of the garment.

FIG. 4 Illustrates an embodiment of the invention there is no outsideextension of an inner pocket nor is there an outside pocket operating asthe invention. In this case the outside layer of the garment (C) is onlybroken by the cut-out that the device projects through to allow outsideaccess by its sensors and to function as described herein. The device(A) is inserted into the pocket from the outside of the garment thoughthe opening (G) and is slid down into position. In this embodiment theedge of the pocket (E) is designed to give an unobstructed view for thesensors once the mobile device is in position in the pocket.

FIG. 5 Illustrates the invention in an embodiment that has a pocket thatis either an outside pocket on a garment (C) with no access to the innerpart of the garment or it can have the external pocket portion asillustrated with a back access as an inner portion of the pocket thatallows access from inside the garment. The device (A) is inserted intothe pocket and positioned as a result so that its sensors are exposed.In this embodiment the pocket edge (E) has an edge design meant forusage for a broad range of devices with varying locations of the sensorsmeant to be used for the functions described herein. The outer portionof the pocket in this embodiment projects out from the face of thegarment (C).

FIG. 6 Is a side view of the embodiment described in FIG. 5. Theinvention projects both outside (D) the main garment (C) and inside thegarment (B). The device (A) can be inserted in the embodiment from theoutside of the garment directly into the pocket or can be slid in frominside the garment and then positioned so its sensors are exposed.

FIG. 7 is a view of the inside of the invention in an embodiment where aband of elastic material (I) has been incorporated in order to positionand secure the device(A). In this example the elastic material isincorporated into the inside of the pocket and is not attached to themain garment

(C).This is but one example of many methods to carry out these functionsand is used as an example only and is not meant to limit the inventionto any one method, material or system.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the current invention that uses a flap (J)to cover the opening and protect and secure the device in the invention.The flap projects down and over the pocket front (D). Hook and loopfasteners (H) are attached to the flap and to the main garment (C). Theflap is designed to cover the opening and can be used in combinationwith an inside pocket configuration or an outside pocket. If the user isusing the invention in such a way that the mobile device is insertedinto the pocket through the opening that the mobile device extendsthrough the flap does not interfere with that function. The flap can besecured in both its open or closed position using snaps, buttons, hookand loop fastener or any other of the like to secure the flap. A flap isnot necessary for the operation of the invention but is shown in thiscontext as an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment from FIG. 8 with the flap (J) lifted andfastened into position by hook and loop fasteners. As with otherexamples given the invention may utilize any number of other types offasteners to accomplish the same function. In this example only theupper fastener is illustrated as holding the flap up to the main garment(C) and fasteners could be attached to the outer layer of the pocket (D)in order to secure the flap closed. This embodiment shows the inventionwith an outer layer projecting from the main garment but the samesystems and techniques can be applied to the invention embodiment thatdoes not have a projection of the pocket to the outside of the garment.

FIG. 10 shows a view from outside the invention in an embodiment thathas a system for adjusting the device in the pocket. The device (A) isplaced into the pocket of the invention so that its sensors arepositioned properly in the opening (G) of the garment (C). The one endof the adjustment strap (K) is passed out of the back of the pocketthrough a slot (I) and adjusted for length to position the device andthen fasted to a hook and loop fastener (H) on the outside of thepocket. The details of the embodiment are more completely explained andillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is an inside view of the invention in its embodiment referred toin FIG.10 to adjust a device in the invention to optimize its positionfor best functionality. This is an embodiment of the current inventionwhere a hammock like piece of cloth, operating as an adjustment strap(K), is sewn to one side of the inside of the pocket or to the insidepart of the garment (C) that might serve as the one side of the pocketof the invention and then passed down and under the mobile device comingup on the other side and passed through an eyelet type opening (L) onthe pocket. The end of the strap has a piece of hook and loop fastenerthen is matched with a patch of the proper fastener material (H) on theoutside of the pocket and the user can then adjust the height of themobile device in the pocket by either pulling or loosening the strapportion and refastening it to the attachment tab. Shortening orlengthening the strap will cause the hammock to lift or drop within thepocket and thereby adjust the point at which the mobile device (A) issupported in the pocket to optimize positioning in the garment opening(G). While a hook and loop type material is used for illustration anyform of fastening system that will allow the repositioning of the strapmay be used. This embodiment can be used in combination with otherpositioning and security methods, materials and systems as shown in thisillustration in combination with an elastic strap (I) holding the devicein position.

The inventions illustratively described herein may suitably be practicedin the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations,not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms“comprising”, “including,” containing”, etc. shall be read expansivelyand without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employedherein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, andthere is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions ofexcluding any equivalents of the features shown and described orportions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications arepossible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should beunderstood that although the present invention has been specificallydisclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modificationand variation of the inventions embodied therein herein disclosed may beresorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications andvariations are considered to be within the scope of this invention asdefined by the appended claims.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each ofthe narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the genericdisclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the genericdescription of the invention with a proviso or negative limitationremoving any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or notthe excised material is specifically recited herein.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A pocket that isincorporated into a garment to hold a mobile electronic device in amanner that allows use of its functionality to record video, audio andother data while the garment is worn.
 2. The pocket of claim 1 providesaccess to the outside of the apparel for the essential recording sensorsof a mobile device so that a user can take advantage of functions whilethe mobile device is being carried in the invention.
 3. The pocket ofclaims 1 and 2 provides a method and system that allows a user to dohands free POV (Point of View) video recording, audio recording, anddepending on other accessories, data collection such as applicationdriven GPS trip mapping, environmental data collection, and two wayvoice activated communication.
 4. The pocket of claims 1 through 3provides a method and system to hold a mobile device safely and securelyon the wearer and ready to use in the functions detailed herein as wellas serving as a method of everyday carry for the device.
 5. The pocketof claims 1 through 4 is a part of the garment and may be in the formof: a. an inside pocket with an access for the mobile device sensorsthrough the fabric of the garment. b. an outside pocket sewn to thegarment forming a complete garment incorporating the pocket and withsensor access through the cloth of the pocket or